If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Good place for 3 day hike/hang

Got a few buddies down here in Ocala Florida that want to do a hike and hang for a few days up in the mountains around the end of August, maybe Georgia/Tennesee area (dont really want to drive more than 8 hours). If you guys had to pick some place that has the best mountain scenery and water access along the trail, what would it be. Thanks in advance.

On the AT, you could do worse than Winding Stair Gap to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (29 miles). Safe parking at either end; easy 3 day trip; water won't be an issue; two observation towers along the way, and a restaurant at the NOC. Lodging, too, if you want to stay over (bunkhouse & cabins).

A little shorter hike is the Standing Indian loop, but you can easily lengthen it.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." ó John Muir

The Foothills Trail

Come on to South Carolina.
Hike a portion of the Foothills Trail.
Start at the Laurel Valley Access point and hike west.
5 miles in you'll pass the Virginia Hawkins Waterfall and a beautiful big campsite right on the Laurel Fork Creek. 3 miles further and you'll be at the top of the Laurel Fork Falls as it dumps into Lake Jocassee. There are three individual campsite at the top of the falls.
Lake Jocassee is the crown jewel of lakes in SC. Fed from mountain streams, it is always cool, even in August. It's a 20 minute hike down to the lake where you can enjoy a good swim. Hike in, stay two days and hike back out.
In August, you'll love it.

Swampfox

He is your friend, your companion, your defender... he is your dog. You are his life, his leader, and master. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of that devotion.

+ 1 on the Foothills Trail. I hiked it late summer 2011. It was hot, but many, many opportunities for swimming, wading, feet-soaking in crystral clear waterfalls and streams. Not large mountains, but as far as I know, it is the closest really nice trail to Florida. I recommend start at Oconnee SP or Whitewater Falls and hike NE.

Another option is the extreme southern end of the AT, especially around Neel Gap near Blood Mtn, or Amicalola SP near Springer Mtn. It will take you an hour longer to drive there, but is mountainous and scenic. Any other mountainous trails (that I know of) will be exceed the driving time you listed.

Last edited by Duffy; 04-22-2013 at 04:52.

Something hidden. Go and find it. Go, and look behind the Ranges. Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you . . . Go! - Rudyard Kipling